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At twelve years old, Amy is the youngest of the four March sisters and already has a distinct taste for high society as the novel begins. She yearns to fit in with other girls her age, and, like a stereotypical youngest sibling, she wants to be involved in everything that her older sisters do. Amy’s attention-seeking phase leads to some of the most memorable scenes in the novel, including facing punishment for trading limes at school, spitefully burning Jo’s manuscript, and falling through the ice-covered pond where Jo and Laurie go skating. Each of these events serves as a reflection of her attempt to engage with the world beyond the confines of her home. She experiences numerous setbacks and failures, however, and she begins to learn that that acts of selfishness can have serious consequences. Following her sisters’ lead, Amy eventually resolves to act gracefully and atone for her childish behavior. Her precocious attitude gradually fades away to reveal a smart, determined, and poised young woman.
While Amy takes after her sisters in some regards, she faces particularly unique circumstances as she grows up that allow her to truly develop as an individual. She shares Meg’s love of social visits and desire for wealth, but she also has an artistic sensibility like Jo. The combination of these two qualities inspires her dreams of traveling abroad and becoming a famous artist. In order to achieve these aspirations, Amy takes care to present herself with the grace and charm of a high-society woman. She also spends a considerable amount of time experimenting with different artistic forms, searching for one that truly inspires her creativity. These strategies ultimately prove effective when she is rewarded for her good manners with a trip to Europe with Aunt Carrol to study art. The instances in which Amy is separated from the rest of her family certainly present her with challenges, but they ultimately grant her ample opportunity for personal growth. She becomes more worldly and self-assured as a result of this independence, qualities which get her closer to her goal of becoming a respectable socialite.
As is the case with the rest of the March girls, Amy’s lofty childhood dreams ultimately give way to a more realistic and personally fulfilling adult life. She begins her time in Europe convinced that she will be able to develop an artistic genius, but over time, she becomes content with the idea that her talent may never lead to fame. Amy also operates under the assumption that it is her responsibility to support her family by marrying a rich man, and she strongly considers accepting Fred Vaughn should he propose, despite the fact that she does not love him. Laurie’s arrival in Europe, however, changes everything for Amy. He brings the warmth and love from childhood back into her life, and although she initially criticizes him for being lazy in the wake of Jo’s rejection, they find comfort in each other’s presence. Amy and Laurie’s marriage ultimately brings them both a sense of fulfillment that they did not know they needed. Between Amy’s sensibility and Laurie’s free-spirited nature, they complement each other in a way that Jo and Laurie never could.
